Members of the Delhi Optical Association (DOA) launched an indefinite strike on Friday. They shut down their shops to protest against the "unwarranted hardship and harassment" resulting from the high rate of value added tax (VAT) imposed "arbitarily" by the trade and tax department officials. Members alleged this was in contravention of the VAT regulations.

DOA convener Sanjeev Madan said, "Officials of the trade and tax department of the Delhi government are charging VAT at a rate of 12.5% on the sale of sunglasses, though an unbiased interpretation of the classification of such an article meant for daily use and medical purposes under the VAT rules prescribes VAT at the rate of 5%."